ype it on plain paper, use a plain envelope, be sure that neither has a
watermark, and get it off to-night without fail. Take a taxi to St. Pancras
station and post it there. If you make haste you can get it in a pillar-box
before the last collection."

"I shan't lose a minute, sir."

Karslake straightened up, folding the paper, and made for the door.

"One moment, Karslake.... This man, Nogam: where did you pick him up?"

"He used to buttle for my father, sir, but got into trouble--some domestic
unpleasantness, I believe--needed money, and raised a cheque. The old boy
let him off easy; but I've got the cheque, and Nogam knows it. The fellow's
perfectly trained and absolutely dependable, knows his place and his duties
and not another blessed thing. I'll send him in if you like."

Prince Victor uttered with dry accent: "Why?"

"Thought you might care to have a talk with him, sir."

"I have."

"Oh!" Mr. Karslake exclaimed--"I didn't know."

"Quite so," commented Prince Victor. "I shan't need you again to-night,
Karslake."

"Good-night, sir."

When the secretary had gone, Victor sat motionless, so still that his
breathing scarcely stirred his body, with a face absolutely imperturbable,
steadfastly gazing into that darkness which shrouded the workings of his
mind.

On the doorstep a shrill whistle sounded: Nogam calling Karslake's taxi.
Victor heard the vehicle roll in and stand panting at the curb, then the
slam of its door, the diminishing rumble of its departure.

The house door closed, and after a little the study door opened, and Nogam
halted on the threshold.

Unstirring Victor enquired: "What is it, Nogam?"

"I wished to enquire would there be anything more to-night, sir."

"Nothing."

"'Nk you, sir."

"But Nogam: in this house, regardless of the custom which may have obtained
in other establishments where you have served, you will always knock before
entering a room, and never enter until you obtain permission."

"But if I'm sure the room is empty, sir, and get no answer--?"

"Then you may enter any room but this. Never this, unless I am here--or Mr.
Karslake is--and you get leave."

"'Nk you, sir."

"Good-night."

As the door closed Victor extended a thin, effeminate hand to a casket of
ivory, searched with sensitive finger-tips its exquisite tracery until a
cunningly hidden spring responded and the lid, splitting in two, sank down
into its walls. In the pocket thus revealed were many p